Aviation Academy and University Forge Partnership to Train Future Pilots
In a significant move for aviation education in the Philippines, an academy based at Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA) is poised to deliver academic and flight training to students from De La Salle University-College of Saint Benilde as part of their curriculum. This collaboration, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), aims to bridge the gap between classroom learning and practical aviation skills.
MOU Signing Ceremony and Key Details
Renato Lee III, Senior Deputy Administrator for Business and Investment at the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), confirmed that the MOU was signed on January 23, 2026, at SBIA between Topflite Academy of Aviation and St. Benilde. According to Lee, the agreement will seamlessly integrate St. Benilde's academic programs with Topflite Academy's ground and flight training, fostering the development of industry-ready aviation professionals. The ceremony was notably led by actor-director-turned-pilot Xian Lim as master of ceremony, who himself earned his commercial pilot license (CPL) in June 2025 after training at Topflite Academy in Subic.
Training Integration and Regulatory Approvals
Capt. Sahl Onglatco of Topflite Academy elaborated that the MOU specifies the academy will provide ground and flight training incorporated into St. Benilde's degree programs, initially under the Tourism Management Program. Additionally, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has approved St. Benilde as a satellite ground school facility for Topflite Academy, with the program expected to launch from 2026 to 2027. This regulatory endorsement underscores the quality and compliance of the training framework.
Expansion of Aviation Training Facilities
Beyond the MOU signing, Topflite Academy has inaugurated new aviation training facilities at SBIA, establishing it as a second flight operations hub alongside its existing location at Bicol International Airport in Daraga, Albay. Subic Bay is recognized as a premier aviation training hub in the Philippines, anchored by institutions like Topflite Aviation Academy. Situated at SBIA, these academies offer comprehensive pilot training programs, including the CPL, Private Pilot License, and Instrument Rating, utilizing modern fleets, advanced simulators such as Redbird, and brand-new Tecnam aircraft for Federal Aviation Administration standards.
SBIA itself boasts a 9,000-foot runway and a legacy as a former US Naval air station, providing robust, high-quality, secure, and safe facilities for flight training. This infrastructure supports the academy's mission to enhance aviation education and meet growing industry demands.
